Marcy’s Musings: Advancing the Advanced Materials Discussion
The Marketing Minute: Cracking the Code of Technical Marketing
Trouble in Your Tank: Implementing Direct Metallization in Advanced Substrate Packaging
Expansion and Growth: You Can’t Do It Alone
July 10, 2024 | Prashant Patel, Alpha CircuitEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Building a new PCB facility takes strong partnerships with your suppliers. I quickly learned that we could not build our new facility alone. We would need to find and develop relationships with what would become trusted vendor partners.
We learned that it was vitally important to collaborate and partner with the equipment vendors as well as the automation companies to make sure we selected both the right equipment and the right vendor partner. We wanted to be sure we could count on them for a long and productive relationship. We needed these companies and people to be part of the journey with us. We wanted to ensure they would be there to train our team on how to best use their equipment and products. Most importantly, they would be there, “Johnny-on-the-spot,” to maintain and repair the equipment when it went down.
As we near completion of our new high-tech facility in Schaumburg, Illinois, I can’t stress enough the value of our vendor partners in that process. Equipment and products are only as good as the company that can maintain them. I expect the relationships we developed during the building and equipment process will serve us well moving forward.
Here are some things I learned to look for when selecting good supplier partners:
Technical expertise and innovation: Ensure the supplier has extensive technical knowledge and is at the forefront of innovation in PCB technology. They should be able to offer advanced solutions and stay updated with industry trends. They need to keep you informed of upcoming advances in their equipment and products to ensure you are always aware of the next best thing.
Quality and reliability: The equipment provided by the vendor should be of high quality and reliable. Check for certifications, quality control processes, and track records of uptime and performance. This is critical, especially with the reduction in the number of shops in the U.S. and the migration to Asia. I am fortunate enough to have my shop in the greater Chicago area, where there is still a significant enclave of PCB shops and vendors.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Secure Semiconductor Manufacturing Acquires Full SMT Line from Manncorp
09/11/2025 | ManncorpSecure Semiconductor Manufacturing, LLC (SSM), an American-owned company dedicated to producing secure printed wiring boards and advanced assembly solutions in the MidWest USA, today announced the acquisition of a complete surface mount technology (SMT) line from Manncorp.
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
09/09/2025 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationLarge, irregular, or mechanically unique parts, often referred to as odd-form components, have never truly disappeared from electronics manufacturing. While many in the industry have been pursuing miniaturization, faster placement speeds, and higher-density PCBs, certain market sectors are moving in the opposite direction.
Boston Semi Equipment Adds New Handler Product Lines to Expand Test and Back-end Manufacturing Product Portfolio
09/09/2025 | Boston Semi EquipmentBoston Semi Equipment (BSE), a global leader in semiconductor test automation solutions, introduced several new product lines under a partnership with a leading semiconductor original equipment manufacturer (OEM) based in Asia.
SEMI Reports Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Increased 24% Year-Over-Year in Q2 2025
09/05/2025 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, announced in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report that global semiconductor equipment billings increased 24% year-over-year to US$33.07 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
The Chemical Connection: Experience and Wisdom Gained by Doing Business
09/03/2025 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionA well-managed company learns to adjust its strategies and processes based on what it learns during challenging times. The experience gained from making (or losing) a difficult sale is invaluable in adapting new sales and manufacturing processes necessary to make that sale the next time, no matter how painful those new processes might be.